Explain and analyse three roles performed by US congressional committees. [9 marks]

oversight is a key function of Congress

- encompasses the legislation process and scrutiny of the executive branch (government departments, federal agencies as well as the actions of the president)

congressional oversight is performed via committees

- standing, select, conference and/or the House Rule committee

standing committees and their dual functions of such committees

- stressing that these committees are organised along policy-specific lines. The first function involves reviewing legislation and the second is oversight of the executive

House Rules committee and/or conference committees and their role in the legislative process

Senate's special power of advice and consent

- EG = ratification of treaties and the confirmation of executive appointments such as the Trump executive appointments including the confirmation of Sessions as Attorney General, Devos as Education Secretary and Judges Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Students may use historic examples such as the rejection of Robert Bork as a Supreme Court Justice

Congress can impeach members of govt

- Nixon, Bill Clinton or the possible impeachment of Trump